The Empire on the Western Front
The British 62nd and Canadian 4th Divisions in Battle
Focusing on developments at the divisional level in Britain and Canada, The Empire on the Western Front casts a critical eye on how the British Empire transformed unseasoned volunteers into battle-ready soldiers for the Western Front.
Description
When Great Britain and its dominions declared war on Germany in August 1914, they were faced with the formidable challenge of transforming masses of untrained citizen-soldiers at home and abroad into competent, coordinated fighting divisions. The Empire on the Western Front focuses on the development of two units, Britain’s 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division and the Canadian 4th Division, to show how the British Expeditionary Force rose to this challenge. By turning the spotlight on army formation and operations at the divisional level, Jackson calls into question existing accounts that emphasize the differences between the imperial and dominion armies.
Reviews
Geoffrey Jackson is to be congratulated for his efforts. The Empire on the Western Front is recommended reading for anyone interested in Great War history.
- Major Jim D. Barrett